Today, I met the love of my life, not once, but twice! She is beautiful, charming, and a genius.
I was sparring with the new Second Lieutenant Zed when the Clan Leader Al brought over this enchanting, fairy-like woman. Captain Blaise told us to take a break while he discussed something with the Clan Leader.
She was the most beautiful girl that I had ever seen. I grew up in Shibatsu and moved to the Kanta mountains with my family when I was twelve. I thought that I had seen all types of girls, but she was different. Her long, wavy, light copper rose colored hair flowed down her back. Her eyes, the color of the ocean, twinkled as she laughed. Her laugh was mesmerizing.
I felt my heart skip a beat when I saw her. Then, she approached us. I was excited to meet her, but Zed didn't introduce me. He obviously knew her. I had heard that he escorted a lady to our mountains on a giant flying basket. This must be her.
I grew impatient waiting for Zed to introduce me to this lovely woman, so I introduced myself. I have never been shy or felt this way about a girl. "Hello, my name is Tobin. Nice to meet you, Lady Alisa." I greeted her with a warrior's salute that I had recently learned from Zed.
My salute made her laugh lightly, and she greeted me politely. I found out that she was a cousin of Abby and Madam Clan Leader Katie. That made sense. They were all beautiful, though slightly different. Abby had light brown hair and blue eyes, while Katie had blonde hair and bright blue eyes.
Both Katie and Abby were well-loved in the Kanta region. I had a good impression of Alisa. She seemed sweet. I started to talk to her about Abby and Katie, but Zed got annoyed that I was interrupting their time to talk.
He ordered me to go practice, so I did. I couldn't disobey a direct order from a superior officer. I waved at Alisa and hoped to see her around town soon.
Little did I know that I would see her again that day! After training, I went to the craftsman shop for my apprenticeship. As soon as I entered the shop, I was greeted with her delightful voice. I stopped mid-step in disbelief.
How did I end up this lucky to see her twice in the same day? I greeted her again, and Clan Leader Al. He told me they were going to look at the hot air balloon that Alisa and Zed flew here in. Is this the best day of my life?
I agreed, excited to see this new invention. We followed Al closer to his house. The giant basket was the biggest basket that I had ever seen. I imagined how Alisa and Zed would fit in there. There was enough room, but it was not divided. I was too excited and went to touch it, but Arno slapped my hand away. It hurt, but I stayed silent.
Yuno was used to his father's behavior and told me that I should know better. As the apprentice, I was not supposed to be the first one to inspect new things. I hated this ranking system, but chose to stay silent. One day, I will be the master inventor!
Alisa told us about it after Arno began inspecting it. This was the most interesting thing that I had ever seen, and then she laughed and said that we would be replicating it! The components seemed ordinary, but when they were combined in a certain way, they became extraordinary!
It made me think of my family. My dad, Riktor, is the best blacksmith in Kanta, and my brother is his apprentice. My mother is the best at making quilts in Ilmir, and would love to contribute to the balloon.
When I mentioned it to Abby, she was happy that we could all work on this project together. She even had a hopeful look in her gorgeous eyes. Maybe she is excited to work together as much as I am! I was so excited to tell my family about this over dinner!
After we inspected the basket, Alisa gave us a few boxes of things that she had brought with her from Stanarussi. How exciting! I had heard about Stanarussi when we lived in Shibatsu. It was the most technically advanced kingdom in the world, but they did not like to trade with outsiders.
I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to help recreate the inventions from Stanarussi, but it was happening! This was the best day of my life!
Al and Alisa went back to the De Kanta home, while Arno, Yuno, and I took the boxes back to the shop. We spent a few hours studying them and making plans for the new map and puzzles that Alisa had introduced to them before I arrived. She was so intelligent, it only made me want her more.
When I went home for dinner, my mother greeted me from the kitchen. "Hi, dear, how was your day?" She asked as she prepared dinner.
"Hi, Mom. Today was the best day ever! I met the woman that I want to marry!" I exclaimed as I kissed her on the cheek and helped her cut vegetables.
Her eyes widened in surprise. Ever since my brother was my age, she has been trying to set him up with a wife, but he is too heartbroken over Abby to give any girl a chance. She never really asked me about it, so she was surprised that I brought it up.
I told her all about my day and how I met Alisa twice. She seemed impressed and wanted to meet her. Later, at dinner, I told my dad and brother about the group project. Dad seemed surprised and excited to work with both of his sons. Mom seemed happy to be able to contribute with her talents. My brother seemed uninterested, like always.
Later, he spoke to me in my room away from our parents. "Listen, I don't want you to get your heart broken as I did. Do not get too attached to her if she is already spoken for." He warned me.
I was confused, "How is she spoken for? Who is she betrothed to?" I asked him. Did he know something that I did not?
"I saw her with the new warrior the first day they arrived. He seemed very close to her." He informed me.
"Second Lieutenant Zed? They are just friends. I saw the way they talked today. He may be interested in her, but she is not interested in him romantically. She was as casual with him as she was with Clan Leader Al." I informed him. He looked skeptical, but I didn't care if he believed me. I would be able to see her again soon when we work on the group project. I will use my charm to make her fall in love with me!